Stalking cases rose in 2023 at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, according to the most recent Clery Report.
Two related crime categories spiked last year, according to the report, also known as the Annual Security and Safety Report. Stalking and dating violence numbers were the highest they have been in the seven years.
Between 2017 and 2022, the average number of reported stalking cases totaled fewer than 11 cases a year. In 2023, that number nearly doubled, reaching 20.
UH Mānoa posted the most recent Clery Report numbers in October, covering crime data from 2021 to 2023. Rape cases have fluctuated between three and seven for the past six years. No murders were reported.
Sgt. Bryne Nagata of the UH Mānoa Department of Public Safety said stalking can be a difficult crime to establish, especially on a campus where college students will inevitably run into each other.
“If (both parties) go on campus, (both) go to school, they both have a legitimate purpose to occupy the same space,” Nagata said. “If you go to a random store opening and they’re there, it still could be legitimate. So, it’s a little bit hard to spot stalking.”
In these cases, the first incident of misconduct rarely rises to the level of stalking, Nagata said. Initial crimes might be considered “harassment” or “aggravated harassment,” he said.
Nagata said harassment can be identified by the victim’s use of the words “no” or “stop.” If someone is constantly receiving messages after saying “no” or “stop,” he said, that can be considered harassment.

While stalking can involve strangers, dating violence only occurs in intimate relationships.
Dating violence in the 2024 Clery Report was the highest it has been since 2017. The average number of reported dating violence cases between 2017 and 2022 was fewer than seven cases a year. The number of reporting dating violence cases in 2023 was 10.
Dating violence is similar to domestic violence, but the former focuses on romantic relationships, whereas domestic violence involves people with household ties.
UH Mānoa students involved in dating violence are referred to Jamie Newalu, a confidential advocate at the Title IX office.
When a claim is made, the relationship is examined based on the complainant’s statement as well as the relationship’s length, type, and frequency of the interaction between those involved.
Newalu said unhealthy relationships are not necessarily abusive. Professionals examine control and power dynamics over time.
“We’re looking at elements where one person is being manipulated or controlled, or in that sometimes physically abused, to a point where sometimes the partner feels like they lose themselves,” Newalu said.

You can report incidents to the UH Mānoa DPS at (808) 956-6911. DPS is available 24 hours a day and is available to your whether you live on- or off- campus. You can also report to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) at 911.